Salary guide, May 2025
Chemical Operator pay in Kentucky
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The median annual wage for Chemical Plant and System Operators in Kentucky was $97,550 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2025). The middle half of workers earned between $80,530 and $112,920.
The Kentucky median is $19,430 above the national median of $78,120, both from BLS May 2025.
Direct match · SOC 51-8091 Chemical Plant and System Operators
Chemical Operator is shown within the broader published occupation. BLS does not separate this plant-specific title, seniority, shift, process or credential. Compare the duties with the SOC definition before using the range.
What should you know about kentucky?
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $72,820 | $80,530 | $97,550 | $112,920 | $135,500 |
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $35.01 | $38.72 | $46.90 | $54.29 | $65.15 |
BLS estimated 40 workers employed in this occupation in Kentucky. Location quotient: 0.19.
What should you know about united States?
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $48,400 | $60,330 | $78,120 | $98,660 | $111,930 |
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $23.27 | $29.01 | $37.56 | $47.44 | $53.81 |
What should you know about two BLS releases?
| Release period | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 2024 | $78,520 | $98,890 | $114,400 |
| May 2025 | $80,530 | $97,550 | $112,920 |
These are two separate BLS estimates from different survey panels. The workers and employers behind them differ, so the gap is not like-for-like pay for the same workers and is not a growth rate. We show no percentage change.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. SOC 51-8091 Chemical Plant and System Operators, Kentucky. Official occupation data · Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. SOC 51-8091 Chemical Plant and System Operators, U.S.. Official occupation data · Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15.
What should you know about nearby areas?
| Area | Median | 25th to 75th |
|---|---|---|
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $60,430 | $49,620 to $65,850 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $68,810 | $59,320 to $68,810 |
All roles in Kentucky · National page · Chemical Operator ranked across metros